Nesting and reconfigurable wine glass

ABSTRACT

Provided is a wine glass comprising a separate top portion and a bottom portion that can be joined together to form a single wine glass. The top portion has a drinking rim opposite a lower rim and the top portion has an enclosed bottom opposite and upper rim. The lower rim of the top portion and the upper rim of the bottom portion join together to form a leak-proof drinking vessel or cup of the wine glass. When separated, the top portion and bottom portion can be nested together. Additionally, a plurality of such wine glasses can be nested together, so that a large number of wine glasses can be packaged together for economical storage and shipping. The wine glass can be disposable and biodegradable or compostable, as examples.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under to U.S. Utility patentapplication Ser. No. 14/293,657, entitled NESTING AND RECONFIGURABLEWINE GLASS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,155,410, filed Jun. 2, 2014, whichclaimed priority under 35 USC 119(e) Provisional Patent Application No.61/829,362, entitled NESTING AND RECONFIGURABLE WINE GLASS, filed May31, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by theirentirety.

FIELD OF INTEREST

The present inventive concepts relate to the field of beveragecontainers, and more particularly to the field of wine glasses.

BACKGROUND

Different types of disposable drinking cups exist, such as paper,plastic, and Styrofoam coffee cups or all purpose drinking cups. Thesetypes of drinking cups tend to be sold in relatively large quantities toa consumer or business that sells beverages in such types of cups. Asexamples, such drinking cups can be sold 50 (or more) cups per pack or300 cups (or more) per case, or in other large quantities.

A major consideration in the sale of such quantities of cups is the costto ship—because that affects the cost to sell such goods. The goal is tobe as compact and efficient as possible in packaging large numbers ofthese drinking cups. This has been done by making the cups so that onecup fits inside another in a stack. Using this approach, such quantitiescan be shipped and stored in a reasonable volume to make it economical.This has been relatively easy with the truncated-cone shape widely usedfor such drinking cups, which naturally fit one inside the other.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with aspects of the inventive concepts, provided is adrinking cup, comprising a top portion having an open top and an openbottom, the open bottom defined by a bottom rim, and a bottom portionhaving an open top and a closed bottom, the open top defined by a toprim. The bottom rim and the top rim mate to form the drinking cup havinga leak-proof closure.

In accordance with one aspect of the inventive concept, provided is adrinking cup, comprising a top portion having an open top and an openbottom defined by a bottom rim; and a bottom portion having an open topand a closed bottom, the open top of the bottom portion defined by a toprim, wherein the bottom rim of the top portion and the top rim of thebottom portion are configured to snap-fit together to form an assembleddrinking cup having a leak-proof closure. The leak-proof closurecomprises a foot; and a well configured to receive the foot, the wellhaving a hook shaped curled edge that curls over a top of the foot whensnapped together, such that the curled edge retains the foot within thewell to secure the top portion to the bottom portion.

In various embodiments, the bottom rim of the top portion includes thefoot as a laterally extending foot and the top rim of the bottom portionincludes the well having the hook shaped curled edge configured toreceive and retain the laterally extending foot to form the leak-proofclosure.

In various embodiments, the closure is a tongue and groove closure.

In various embodiments, a top rim of the top portion has a smallercircumference than the bottom rim of the top portion.

In various embodiments, the drinking cup has a wine glass shape whenmated.

In various embodiments, the wine glass shape is stem-less.

In various embodiments, a circumference of the drinking cup is greatestbetween the open top of the top portion and the closed bottom of thebottom portion.

In various embodiments, the drinking cup is disposable.

In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concept, provided isa wine cup having a two-piece bowl, comprising a top bowl portion havingan open top and an open bottom, the open bottom defined by a bottom rim;and a bottom bowl portion having an open top and a closed bottom, theopen top of the bottom bowl portion defined by a top rim that isconfigured to snap-fit together with the bottom rim of the top bowlportion to form an assembled two-piece bowl having a leak-proof closure.The leak-proof closure comprises a foot and a well configured to receivethe foot, the well having a hook shaped curled edge that curls over atop of the foot when snapped together, such that the curled edge retainsthe foot within the well to secure the top portion to the bottomportion. A circumference of the two-piece bowl is greatest between theopen top of the top portion and the closed bottom of the bottom portion.

In various embodiments, the bottom rim of the top portion includes thefoot as a laterally extending foot and the top rim of the bottom portionincludes the well having the hook shaped curled edge configured toreceive and retain the laterally extending foot to form the leak-proofseal.

In various embodiments, the closure is a tongue and groove closure.

In various embodiments, a top rim of the top portion has a smallercircumference than the bottom rim of the top portion.

In various embodiments, the wine cup is stem-less.

In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concept, provided isa plurality of stackable two-piece wine cups, comprising a plurality ofnestable top bowl portions, each top bowl portion having an open top andan open bottom, the open bottom defined by a bottom rim; and a pluralityof nestable bottom bowl portions, each bottom bowl portion having anopen top and a closed bottom, the open top of the bottom bowl portiondefined by a top rim that is configured to snap-fit together with thebottom rim of the top bowl portion to form an assembled two-piece bowlhaving a leak-proof closure. The leak-proof closure comprises a foot anda well configured to receive the foot, the well having a hook shapedcurled edge that curls over a top of the foot when snapped together,such that the curled edge retains the foot within the well to secure thetop portion to the bottom portion. A circumference of the two-piece bowlis greatest between the open top of the top portion and the closedbottom of the bottom portion.

In various embodiments, the bottom rim of the top portion includes thefoot as a laterally extending foot and the top rim of the bottom portionincludes the well having the hook shaped curled edge configured toreceive and retain the laterally extending foot to form the leak-proofseal.

In various embodiments, the closure is a tongue and groove closure.

In various embodiments, the wine cups are stem-less.

In various embodiments, the closure can be a snap-type closure.

In various embodiments, the closure can be a tongue and groove closure.

In various embodiments, the closure can be a threaded screw-typeclosure.

In various embodiments, the closure can be a press-fit closure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more apparent in view of the attacheddrawings and accompanying detailed description. The embodiments depictedtherein are provided by way of example, not by way of limitation,wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placedupon illustrating aspects of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a side view of a first embodiment of a multi-part, nestabledrinking cup, in accordance with aspects of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the multi-part, nestable drinkingcup of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a top view of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup of FIG.1A;

FIG. 1D is a side view of a top portion of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is another side view of a first embodiment of a multi-part,nestable drinking cup of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1F is another cross-sectional view of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1G is a bottom view of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 1H is a side view of a bottom portion of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1I is a partial scaled-up, cross-sectional view of a seam betweenthe top and bottom portions of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup ofFIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a side view of a second embodiment of a multi-part, nestabledrinking cup, in accordance with aspects of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the multi-part, nestable drinkingcup of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a top view of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup of FIG.2A;

FIG. 2D is a side view of a top portion of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2E is another side view of a first embodiment of a multi-part,nestable drinking cup of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2F is another cross-sectional view of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2G is a bottom view of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup ofFIG. 2A;

FIG. 2H is a side view of a bottom portion of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2I is a partial scaled-up, cross-sectional view of a seam betweenthe top and bottom portions of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup ofFIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a side view of a third embodiment of a multi-part, nestabledrinking cup, in accordance with aspects of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a top view of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup of FIG.3A;

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup ofFIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the multi-part, nestable drinking cupof FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3E is another side of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup of FIG.3A, where FIG. 3E-1 is a scaled-up callout of a seam between the top andbottom portions shown in FIG. 3E;

FIG. 3F is a side view of a top portion of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 3A, where FIG. 3F-1 is a scaled-up callout view ofa seam portion of the top portion shown in FIG. 3F;

FIG. 3G is a side view of a bottom portion of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 3A, where FIG. 3G-1 is a scaled-up callout view ofa seam portion of the bottom portion shown in FIG. 3G;

FIG. 3H is an unassembled perspective view of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is an assembled side view of a fourth embodiment of amulti-part, nestable drinking cup, in accordance with aspects of theinvention; and

FIG. 4B is an unassembled perspective view of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 provides a top view of a fifth embodiment of a multi-part,nestable drinking cup, in accordance with aspects of the inventiveconcept;

FIG. 6 provides a front/side view of the multi-part, nestable drinkingcup of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects of the inventive concept;

FIG. 7 provides a bottom view of the multi-part, nestable drinking cupof FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects of the inventive concept;

FIG. 8 provides a top view of a bottom portion of the multi-part,nestable drinking cup of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects of theinventive concept;

FIG. 9 provides a front/side view of the bottom portion of themulti-part, nestable drinking cup of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspectsof the inventive concept;

FIG. 10 provides a bottom view of the bottom portion of the multi-part,nestable drinking cup of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects of theinventive concept;

FIG. 11 provides a top view of a top portion of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects of the inventiveconcept;

FIG. 12 provides a front/side view of the top portion of the multi-part,nestable drinking cup of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects of theinventive concept;

FIG. 13 provides a bottom view of the top portion of the multi-part,nestable drinking cup of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects of theinventive concept;

FIG. 14 provides unassembled view of the multi-part, nestable drinkingcup of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects of the inventive concept;

FIG. 15 provides assembled, perspective view of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects of the inventiveconcept; and

FIG. 16 provides cross-sectional view of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects of the inventiveconcept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various exemplary embodiments will be described more fully hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some exemplaryembodiments are shown. The present inventive concept may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the exemplary embodiments set forth herein.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish oneelement from another, but not to imply a required sequence of elements.For example, a first element can be termed a second element, and,similarly, a second element can be termed a first element, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, theterm “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”or “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly on orconnected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements can bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyon” or “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element,there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describethe relationship between elements should be interpreted in a likefashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus“directly adjacent,” etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specifythe presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groupsthereof.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper” and the like may be used to describe an element and/or feature'srelationship to another element(s) and/or feature(s) as, for example,illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use and/or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” and/or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or atother orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used hereininterpreted accordingly.

With respect to various drawings, dimensions may be shown, described, orimplied, but only as examples. The present inventive concepts are notlimited to such dimensions or ratios of dimensions, unless otherwiseindicated.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, provided is anestable and reconfigurable drinking cup having at least two portionsthat can be put into a nested arrangement when not in use and thencombined to form a drinking cup for use.

In various embodiments, the drinking cup preferably takes the form of awine cup (or “glass”), i.e., a drinking vessel made for drinking abeverage such as wine (e.g., red or white), port, sherry, brandy, or thelike—and does not have the truncated-cone shape of typical disposablepaper, plastic, or Styrofoam all-purpose or coffee cups. For example,the multiple parts can form the bowl of a wine cup, which has anintermediate diameter greater than top and bottom diameters of the bowl.As used herein, the word “glass” in the term “wine glass” does notnecessitate that a drinking cup is made from a glass material. Rather,the term “wine glass” indicates the type of drinking cup, i.e., havingthe shape of a traditional wine glass, regardless of whether thedrinking cup is made of paper, plastic, glass, metal, or some othermaterial or materials.

Different wine glasses have different shapes, which are designed forspecific types of wine (or similar beverages) and can enhance theexperience of drinking the intended wine. Therefore, as a wine glass orcup, the drinking cup can take a specific wine glass shape, e.g., forred wine, white wine, flute, etc. Unlike truncated-cone cups, a width ordiameter of a wine glass can be smaller at a drinking rim than it is atan intermediate portion. Therefore, a width of the wine glass at thedrinking rim can be smaller than a width of the wine glass at anintermediate location, i.e., between the drinking rim and a bottom ofthe wine glass. Collectively, such a drinking cup can be referred to asa “wine glass” or “wine cup.”

In various embodiments, the wine cup can have a bowl that is made of atleast two portions, which can be referred to as a top portion and abottom portion. The wine cup can be configured such that, in assembledform, the top and bottom portions mate together to form a wine cup bowlhaving a leak-proof seal and closure. When separated or unassembled, thetop portion can be configured to nest inside the bottom portion, or viceversa, e.g., for economical storage, packaging, and shipping.Additionally, or alternative, a plurality of the tops can be made tonest together and a plurality of the bottoms can be made to nesttogether.

In various embodiments, the wine glass can be disposable, biodegradable,degradable, and/or compostable, or the like. And, in variousembodiments, the wine glass can be reusable.

In various embodiments, the top portion can define an open drinking rimand the bottom portion can define a closed wine glass bottom. That is,the bottom portion can have a closed bottom end and a top rim oppositethe closed bottom. Also, the top portion can include a bottom rimopposite the drinking rim of the top portion. The top rim of the bottomportion is configured to mate with the bottom rim of the top portion toform a closure. The closure is preferably a leak-proof closure thatprevents liquid inside of the wine cup from leaking or seeping out ofthe closure. In various embodiments, the closure can be a tongue andgroove closure, a threaded screw-type closure, a snap type closure, orpress-fit closure.

In various embodiments, the wine glass may further include a stem. Thestem may be a separate piece configured to mate with the wine glassbottom. In various embodiments, the present invention may be directed toa wine glass kit, comprising the top and bottom portions describedherein and, optionally, the stem.

In various embodiments, the present invention may be directed to amethod of making a nesting reconfigurable wine glass, including formingthe top and bottom portions as described herein and, optionally, a stem.

FIGS. 1A-1I provide various views of a first embodiment of a multi-part,nestable drinking cup 100, in accordance with aspects of the firstinvention.

Drinking cup 100 includes a top portion 120 and a bottom portion 130. Incases where the drinking cup 100 is a wine cup or glass, as shown, thetop and bottom portions mate to form a bowl portion of the wine cup.

The top portion 120 has an open top and an open bottom. The open topdefines a drinking rim 122 and the bottom defines a bottom rim 124. Thebottom portion 130 includes a closed bottom 134 and has an open topdefined by a top rim 132. The bottom rim 124 of the top portion 120 andthe top rim 132 of the bottom portion 130 mate to form the drinking cup100 having a leak-proof closure 140.

In this embodiment, closure 140 is formed by a snap-fit between bottomrim 124 of top portion 120 and top rim 132 of bottom portion 130.Referring to FIG. 1I in particular, the bottom rim 124 of the topportion 120 includes a laterally projecting foot 146 extending from aleg 148 of top portion 120. And the top rim 132 of the bottom portion130 defines a well 142 having a hook shape that is configured to receivethe foot 146 of the top portion 120. The hook shape of the well 142defines a curled edge 144 that curls over a top of foot 146 when matedtogether to form closure 140. The curled edge 144 retains foot 146within well 142 to secure the top portion 120 to the bottom portion 130.

Foot 146 defines an engagement portion of bottom rim 124 of top portion120 and has a slightly larger diameter than the curled edge 144, in thisembodiment. Foot 146, curled edge 144, or both can be compressible sothat the closure 140 is a snap-fit closure that is sufficiently tight tobe leak-proof. That is, bottom rim 124 having foot 146 can be alignedwith and pressed against top rim 132 having well 142 and curled edge 144so that foot 146 is snapped passed curled edge 144 to be securelymaintained within well 142.

In this embodiment, the closed bottom 134 of bottom portion 130 has aflat circular middle section and sides 136 that slant upward and awayfrom a central axis y, see, e.g., FIG. 1A. The wine cup is generallycircular from closed bottom 134 to drinking rim 122, in this embodiment.

An intermediate diameter d (or width) of the drinking cup 100 is greaterthan a diameter (or width) at the top, drinking rim 122. In thisembodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B 1E, and 1F, as examples, theintermediate diameter d (and width) of drinking cup 100 is also greaterthan the diameter (or width) of the closed bottom 134.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1F, the drinking rim 122 can have a curlededge, i.e., that curls inward toward the internal volume of the drinkingcup, or central y axis. The bottom portion can have a height h1 and thetop portion can have a height h2, where h1+h2≈h, the height of the bowlof the drinking cup 100.

FIG. 1C shows a top view, looking through the drinking rim 122 into thevolume of the drinking cup 100, where the closed bottom 134 is visible.FIG. 1D shows a side view of only the top portion 120. FIG. 1G shows abottom view of drinking cup 100, with the closed bottom 134 and the toprim 132 of the bottom portion 130 visible. FIG. 1H shows a side view ofonly the bottom portion 130.

FIGS. 2A-1I provide various views of a second embodiment of amulti-part, nestable drinking cup 200, in accordance with aspects of thefirst invention.

This embodiment is substantially the same as drinking cup 100 for FIGS.1A-H, except for differences in the bottom portion 230 as compared tobottom portion 130. In fact, top portion 220 of drinking cup 200 issubstantially the same as top portion 120 of drinking cup 100. That is,top portion 220 has an open top defining a drinking rim 222 and an openbottom defining a bottom rim 224, which is configured to mate with a toprim 232 of the bottom portion 230, thereby forming leak-proof closure240.

Therefore, as with drinking cup 100, drinking cup 200 includes the topportion 220 and the bottom portion 230. In cases where the drinking cup200 is a wine cup or glass, as in this embodiment, the top and bottomportions 220, 230 mate to form a bowl portion of the wine cup.

An intermediate diameter d (or width) of the drinking cup 200 is greaterthan a diameter (or width) at the drinking rim 222. In this embodiment,as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B 2E, and 2F, as examples, the intermediatediameter d (and width) of the drinking cup 200 is also greater than thediameter (or width) of the closed bottom 234.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2F, the drinking rim 222 can have a curlededge, i.e., that curls inward toward the internal volume of the drinkingcup, or central y axis. The bottom portion can have a height h1 and thetop portion can have a height h2, where h1+h2≈h, the height of the bowlof the drinking cup 200.

FIG. 2C shows a top view, looking through the drinking rim 222 into thevolume of the drinking cup 200, where closed bottom 234 is visible. FIG.2D shows a side view of only the top portion 220. FIG. 2G shows a bottomview of drinking cup 200, with the closed bottom 234 and top rim 232 ofthe bottom portion 230 visible. FIG. 2H shows a side view of only thebottom portion 230.

In this embodiment, unlike the bottom portion 130 of drinking cup 100 inFIGS. 1A-1I, the bottom portion 230 includes the closed bottom 234having a flat circular middle section and curved sides 236 that bowupward and away from a central axis y, see, e.g., FIG. 2A. The wine cup200 is generally circular from closed bottom 234 to drinking rim 222, inthis embodiment.

A leak proof closure 240 is formed when bottom rim 224 of the topportion 220 is mated with top rim 232 of the bottom portion 230. Asshown in FIG. 2I, the closure 240 is substantially the same as closure140 of FIG. 1I. For instance, closure 240 is formed by a snap-fitbetween bottom rim 224 of top portion 220 and top rim 232 of bottomportion 230. Referring to FIG. 2I in particular, the bottom rim 224 ofthe top portion 220 includes a laterally projecting foot 246 extendingfrom a leg 248 of top portion 220. And the top rim 232 of the bottomportion 230 defines a well 242 having a hook (e.g., a “J-hook”) shapethat is configured to receive the foot 246 of the top portion 220. Thehook shape of the well 242 defines a curled edge 244 that curls over atop of foot 246 when mated together to form closure 240. The curled edge244 retains foot 246 within well 242 to secure the top portion 220 tothe bottom portion 230.

Foot 246 defines an engagement portion of bottom rim 224 of top portion220 and has a slightly larger diameter than the curled edge 244, in thisembodiment. Foot 246, curled edge 244, or both can be compressible sothat the closure 240 is a snap-fit closure that is sufficiently tight tobe leak-proof. That is, bottom rim 224 having foot 246 can be alignedwith and pressed against top rim 232 having well 242 and curled edge 244so that foot 246 is snapped passed curled edge 244 to be securelymaintained within well 242.

FIGS. 3A-3H provide various views of a third embodiment of a multi-part,nestable drinking cup 300, in accordance with aspects of the firstinvention.

Drinking cup 300 includes a top portion 320 and a bottom portion 330. Incases where the drinking cup 300 is a wine cup or glass, as in thisembodiment, the top and bottom portions 320, 330 mate to form a bowlportion of the wine cup. The top portion 320 has an open top and an openbottom. The open top defines a drinking rim 322 and the bottom defines abottom rim 324. The bottom portion 330 includes a closed bottom 334 andhas an open top defined by a top rim 332. The bottom rim 324 of the topportion 320 and the top rim 332 of the bottom portion 330 mate to formthe drinking cup having a leak-proof closure 340.

In this embodiment, an intermediate diameter d (or width) of thedrinking cup 300 is greater than a diameter (or width) at a drinking rim322.

In this embodiment, the closure 340 is formed by a tongue-and-groovesnap-fit between bottom rim 324 of top portion 320 and top rim 332 ofbottom portion 330. Referring to FIGS. 3E-3G in particular, the top rim332 of the bottom portion 330 defines a laterally projecting tongue 342of the bottom rim 324. And the top portion 320 includes a laterallyrecessed groove 346 formed at an inner surface of the bottom rim 324,and configured to receive the tongue 342 of the bottom portion 330. Theshape of the groove 346 retains the tongue 342 when mated together toform closure 340.

Bottom rim 324 having tongue 342 can be aligned with and pressed againsttop rim 332 having groove 346 so that tongue 342 is snapped into groove346 to form the leak-proof tongue-and-groove closure 340. Bottom rim324, top rim 332, or both can be somewhat compressible to facilitate thefit to form closure 340.

FIG. 3B shows a top view, looking through the drinking rim 322 into thevolume of the drinking cup 300, where closed bottom 334 is visible. FIG.3C shows a bottom view of drinking cup 300, with the closed bottom 334and top rim 332 of the bottom portion 330 visible. FIG. 3D shows aperspective view of the drinking cup 300. FIG. 3H shows a perspective,side view of the drinking cup 300 in unassembled form, with the topportion 320 and the bottom portion 230 separated. FIGS. 3E-1, 3F-1, and3G-1 show callouts of the closure 340.

FIG. 4A-4B provide various side views of a fourth embodiment of amulti-part, nestable drinking cup 400, in accordance with aspects of thefirst invention. FIG. 4A is an assembled view and FIG. 4B is anunassembled view of drinking cup 400.

Drinking cup 400 includes a top portion 420 and the bottom portion 430.In cases where the drinking cup 400 is a wine cup or glass, as in thisembodiment, the top and bottom portions 420, 430 mate to form a bowlportion of the wine cup. An intermediate diameter d (or width) of thedrinking cup 400 is greater than a diameter (or width) at the drinkingrim 422, in this embodiment.

The top portion 420 has an open top and an open bottom. The open topdefines a drinking rim 422 and the open bottom defines a bottom rim 424.The bottom portion 430 includes a closed bottom 434 and has an open topdefined by a top rim 432. The bottom rim 424 of the top portion 420 andthe top rim 432 of the bottom portion 430 mate to form the drinking cuphaving a leak-proof closure 440.

In this embodiment, closure 440 is formed by a press fit between thebottom rim 424 of the top portion 420 and the top rim 432 of the bottomportion 430. In particular, the top rim 432 of the bottom portion 430defines a wedge-shaped projection 442. And the top portion 420 includesa corresponding inner wall 446 formed at an inner surface of the bottomrim 424, and configured to receive the wedge-shaped projection 442 ofthe bottom portion 430.

An outer diameter d1 of bottom rim 424 comprising inner wall 446 islarger than an outer diameter d2 of the wedge-shaped projection 442 ofthe bottom portion 430. And an inner diameter d3 of the inner wall 446starts at about equal to d2 to receive the wedge-shaped projection 442,but then tapers to become slightly smaller than d2 to retain thewedge-shaped projection 442 of the top rim 432 of the bottom portion 430when mated together to form closure 440.

Bottom rim 424 can be aligned with and pressed against top rim 432 toform the leak-proof press fit closure 440. Bottom rim 424, top rim 432,or both can be somewhat compressible to facilitate the fit to formclosure 440.

Optionally, as shown, the drinking rim 422 can have a curled edge, i.e.,that curls inward toward the internal volume of the drinking cup, ascould be true with other embodiments.

While the present invention has been describe in the context of a wineglass, it is conceivable that the present invention could be applied toother drinking cups that do not have the truncated-cone shape, where anintermediate diameter is greater than the drinking rim.

FIGS. 5-16 provide various views of a fifth embodiment of a multi-part,nestable drinking cup 500, in accordance with aspects of the firstinvention.

FIG. 5 provides a top view of a fifth embodiment of a multi-part,nestable drinking cup, in accordance with aspects of the inventiveconcept. FIG. 6 provides a front/side view of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 provides a bottom view of the multi-part,nestable drinking cup of FIG. 5. FIG. 8 provides a top view of a bottomportion of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup of FIG. 5. FIG. 9provides a front/side view of the bottom portion of the multi-part,nestable drinking cup of FIG. 5. FIG. 10 provides a bottom view of thebottom portion of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup of FIG. 5. FIG.11 provides a top view of a top portion of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 5. FIG. 12 provides a front/side view of the topportion of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup of FIG. 5. FIG. 13provides a bottom view of the top portion of the multi-part, nestabledrinking cup of FIG. 5. FIG. 14 provides unassembled view of themulti-part, nestable drinking cup of FIG. 5. FIG. 15 provides assembled,perspective view of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup of FIG. 5, inaccordance with aspects of the inventive concept. And FIG. 16 providescross-sectional view of the multi-part, nestable drinking cup of FIG. 5.

This embodiment is substantially the same as drinking cup 100 for FIGS.1A-1I, except for differences in the coupling or closure 540 between atop portion 520 and a bottom portion 530. In fact, top portion 520 ofdrinking cup 500 is quite similar to top portion 120 of drinking cup100. That is, top portion 520 has an open top defining a drinking rim522 and an open bottom defining a bottom rim 524, which is configured tomate with a top rim 532 of the bottom portion 530, thereby formingleak-proof closure 540.

Therefore, as with drinking cup 100, drinking cup 500 includes the topportion 520 and the bottom portion 530. In cases where the drinking cup500 is a wine cup or glass, as in this embodiment, the top and bottomportions 520, 530 mate to form a bowl portion of the wine cup.

An intermediate diameter (or width) of the drinking cup 500 is greaterthan a diameter (or width) at the drinking rim 522. In this embodiment,as shown in FIGS. 6, 15 and 16, as examples, the intermediate diameter(and width) of the drinking cup 500 is also greater than the diameter(or width) of the closed bottom 534.

In this embodiment, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2I, the bottomportion 530 of drinking cup 500 includes the closed bottom 534 having aflat circular middle section and curved sides 536 that bow upward andaway from a central axis y, see, e.g., FIG. 6. The wine cup 500 isgenerally circular from closed bottom 534 to drinking rim 522, in thisembodiment.

A leak proof closure 540 is formed when bottom rim 524 of the topportion 520 is mated with top rim 532 of the bottom portion 530. Asshown in FIG. 16, the closure 540 is substantially the same as closure140 of FIG. 1I. For instance, closure 540 is formed by a snap-fitbetween bottom rim 524 of top portion 520 and top rim 532 of bottomportion 530. Referring to FIG. 16 in particular, the bottom rim 524 ofthe top portion 520 includes a laterally projecting foot 546 extendingfrom a leg 548 of top portion 520. And the top rim 532 of the bottomportion 530 defines a well 542 having a hook shape that is configured toreceive the foot 546 of the top portion 520. The hook shape of the well542 defines a curled edge 544 that curls over a top of foot 546 whenmated together to form closure 540. The curled edge 544 retains foot 546within well 542 to secure the top portion 520 to the bottom portion 530.

Foot 546 defines an engagement portion of bottom rim 524 of top portion520 and has a slightly larger diameter than the curled edge 544, in thisembodiment. Foot 546, curled edge 544, or both can be compressible sothat the closure 540 is a snap-fit closure that is sufficiently tight tobe leak-proof. That is, bottom rim 524 having foot 546 can be alignedwith and pressed against top rim 532 having well 542 and curled edge 544so that foot 546 is snapped passed curled edge 544 to be securelymaintained within well 542.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the bestmode and/or other preferred embodiments, it is understood that variousmodifications can be made therein and that the invention or inventionsmay be implemented in various forms and embodiments, and that they maybe applied in numerous applications, only some of which have beendescribed herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim thatwhich is literally described and all equivalents thereto, including allmodifications and variations that fall within the scope of each claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A drinking cup, comprising: a top portion havingan open top and an open bottom, the open bottom defined by a bottom rim;and a bottom portion having an open top and a closed bottom, the opentop of the bottom portion defined by a top rim, wherein the bottom rimof the top portion and the top rim of the bottom portion are configuredto snap-fit together to form an assembled-drinking cup having aleak-proof closure, the leak-proof closure comprising: a foot; and awell configured to receive the foot, the well having a hook shapedcurled edge that curls over a top of the foot when snapped together,such that the curled edge retains the foot within the well to secure thetop portion to the bottom portion.
 2. The cup of claim 1, wherein thebottom rim of the top portion includes the foot as a laterally extendingfoot and the top rim of the bottom portion includes the well having thehook shaped curled edge configured to receive and retain the laterallyextending foot to form the leak-proof closure.
 3. The cup of claim 1,wherein the closure is a tongue and groove closure.
 4. The cup of claim1, wherein a top rim of the top portion has a smaller circumference thanthe bottom rim of the top portion.
 5. The cup of claim 1, wherein thedrinking cup has a wine glass shape when mated.
 6. The cup of claim 5,wherein the wine glass shape is stem-less.
 7. The cup of claim 1,wherein a circumference of the drinking cup is greatest between the opentop of the top portion and the closed bottom of the bottom portion. 8.The cup of claim 1, wherein the drinking cup is disposable.
 9. A winecup having a two-piece bowl, comprising: a top bowl portion having anopen top and an open bottom, the open bottom defined by a bottom rim;and a bottom bowl portion having an open top and a closed bottom, theopen top of the bottom bowl portion defined by a top rim that isconfigured to snap-fit together with the bottom rim of the top bowlportion to form an assembled two-piece bowl having a leak-proof closurecomprising: a foot; and a well configured to receive the foot, the wellhaving a hook shaped curled edge that curls over a top of the foot whensnapped together, such that the curled edge retains the foot within thewell to secure the top portion to the bottom portion, wherein acircumference of the two-piece bowl is greatest between the open top ofthe top portion and the closed bottom of the bottom portion.
 10. Thewine cup of claim 9, wherein the bottom rim of the top portion includesthe foot as a laterally extending foot and the top rim of the bottomportion includes the well having the hook shaped curled edge configuredto receive and retain the laterally extending foot to form theleak-proof seal.
 11. The wine cup of claim 9, wherein the closure is atongue and groove closure.
 12. The wine cup of claim 9, wherein a toprim of the top portion has a smaller circumference than the bottom rimof the top portion.
 13. The wine cup of claim 9, wherein the wine cup isstem-less.
 14. A plurality of stackable two-piece wine cups, comprising:a plurality of nestable top bowl portions, each top bowl portion havingan open top and an open bottom, the open bottom defined by a bottom rim;and a plurality of nestable bottom bowl portions, each bottom bowlportion having an open top and a closed bottom, the open top of thebottom bowl portion defined by a top rim that is configured to snap-fittogether with the bottom rim of the top bowl portion to form anassembled two-piece bowl having a leak-proof closure comprising: a foot;and a well configured to receive the foot, the well having a hook shapedcurled edge that curls over a top of the foot when snapped together,such that the curled edge retains the foot within the well to secure thetop portion to the bottom portion, wherein a circumference of thetwo-piece bowl is greatest between the open top of the top portion andthe closed bottom of the bottom portion.
 15. The stackable two-piecewine cups of claim 14, wherein the bottom rim of the top portionincludes the foot as a laterally extending foot and the top rim of thebottom portion includes the well having the hook shaped curled edgeconfigured to receive and retain the laterally extending foot to formthe leak-proof seal.
 16. The stackable two-piece wine cups of claim 14,wherein the closure is a tongue and groove closure.
 17. The stackabletwo-piece wine cups of claim 14, wherein the wine cups are stem-less.